A heron colony that becomes visible only after the leaves have fallen makes the Soos Creek Trail a seasonal nature destination: it can be seen in the wetlands south of the parking lot on 148th Ave SE in fall and winter. At Tolt-MacDonald Park, you can watch Chinook salmon spawning in fall. For both experiences, the season matters as much as the location.
Landscapes and Waterways
The Snoqualmie Valley Trail passes working farms and protected open spaces. Along the way, you can take in views of farms and the North Fork Snoqualmie River, and observe a variety of wildlife. The trail connects to the Palouse to Cascades Trail in Iron Horse State Park, which extends across the length of Washington State.
The Cedar River Trail also offers scenic views and access to Lake Washington and the Cedar River. For a different coastal scene, visit Maury Island Marine Park: it sits directly on Puget Sound and includes an undeveloped area with more than a mile of shoreline. From Seattle, you can reach the park by taking the Fauntleroy-Vashon ferry; from Tacoma, take the Point-Defiance-Tahlequah ferry. Check the schedule for the relevant ferry before you travel.
Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot waterfall on the Snoqualmie River in eastern King County. Its significance extends beyond the landscape: the waterfall is closely connected to the traditional cultural heritage of the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe. Here, nature and cultural history are part of a shared understanding of the place.
Trails for Different Interests
At Tolt-MacDonald Park, a 500-foot suspension bridge spans the Snoqualmie River. Beyond it are twelve miles of forest and riverside trails. The park is also the venue for the annual, three-day Timber! Outdoor Music Festival. If you want to plan your visit around it, check the specific event dates.
The Green River Trail runs for 19 paved miles from Seattle’s southern edge to the city of Kent. Along the riverbanks are osprey nests and several covered benches for birdwatching. Its length and route make it a different kind of trail experience from the shorter nature-watching opportunities at a single location.
Soaring Eagle Regional Park offers 790 acres of mature forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats alongside twelve miles of multi-use trails. The Soos Creek Trail, in turn, passes through wetlands and gently rolling wooded hills. With its gentle grade and natural setting, it is suited to leisurely walks, bike rides, and horseback riding.
At Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, visitors should observe an important rule: because of hazards from historical mining activity, visitors must stay on the trails. Most trails are primarily for hikers; horseback riding is allowed on some. This restriction is important to know before your visit and should be considered when choosing activities.
Nature and History at Marymoor Park
Marymoor Park has walking and biking trails as well as nature trails. A distinctive sports facility is the only velodrome in Washington State: a 400-meter track for cycling. Clise Mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is also located in the park. Marymoor offers a mix of discoveries, while its historic building remains distinct from its trails and sports facilities.
Discover more destinations: Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Seattle, Woodinville, Redmond, Renton, Des Moines, Issaquah, Kirkland, Kent, Federal Way, Shoreline, Tukwila, Kenmore, Enumclaw, Snoqualmie, Normandy Park, Seatac, Burien, North Bend, Baring, Vashon Island, Newcastle, Mercer Island, Skykomish, Sammamish
For the broader travel overview: Washington.
